Whether you run a hair salon, barbershop, beauty studio, nail salon, lash clinic or mobile beauty business, UK law requires you to provide adequate and appropriate first aid. This applies even if you work alone or have only one or two employees.
This guide explains what the law requires, the risks unique to the beauty industry, what first aid equipment you need, and how to stay compliant with HSE expectations.
For core workplace compliance, see our Workplace First Aid Policy Guide and Risk Assessment Guide.
Yes. Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, every employer must provide first aid equipment, facilities and personnel based on their risks — including small or single-person beauty businesses.
Beauty industry workplaces involve hazards such as sharp tools, chemicals, heat equipment and close client contact, making first aid provision essential.
| Business Type | Main Risks | Recommended First Aid Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Hair Salons | Cuts from scissors/razors, burns from styling tools, slips on wet floors. | Small or medium BS 8599-1 kit, burn dressings, eye wash. |
| Barbershops | Cuts, razor nicks, sharps injuries, minor bleeding. | Small BS 8599-1 kit, extra plasters, sterile wipes. |
| Beauty Salons | Chemical splashes, waxing burns, minor cuts, allergies. | Medium BS 8599-1 kit, burn gel, saline pods, gloves. |
| Nail Salons | Cuts, abrasions, chemical irritation, dust exposure. | Small BS 8599-1 kit, eye wash, antiseptic wipes. |
| Lash/Brow Technicians | Adhesive exposure, client irritation, minor nicks. | Compact kit, sterile saline, eye-safe wipes. |
| Mobile Beauty Therapists | Travelling alone, burns, cuts, lone worker risks. | Compact kit + vehicle kit. |
| Tattoo & Piercing Studios | Sharps injuries, allergic reactions, minor bleeding. | Medium BS 8599-1 kit, gloves, sterile dressings. |
Your kit size will depend on your risk assessment, but most beauty workplaces need:
For a full breakdown, see our complete contents guide.
You can also explore our full range of first aid kits suitable for salons, barbers and beauty businesses.
It depends on your risks. Most low-risk salons with only a few employees only require an appointed person. However, training is strongly recommended if you:
Learn more in our Appointed First Aiders Guide and Training vs First Aid Kits Article.
Yes. Anyone working alone or travelling between clients should carry a compact first aid kit and ideally a lone worker plan.
A vehicle kit may also be required — see our vehicle kit guide.
Guidance available in our First Aid Posters Guide and Accident Reporting Guide.
All incidents must be recorded — even minor ones. Accurate records help you manage risks and prove compliance. Use our Accident Reporting Guide to create a simple system.
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